The Color of St. Patrick's Day Wasn't Always Green

St. Patrick's Day is often associated with the color green, but historically, the color blue was more prominent. The holiday was originally a solemn feast day, not a raucous celebration. St. Patrick, born Maewyn Succat, was not Irish but was captured by Irish pirates and later returned to Ireland as a missionary. In the 10th century, he became a beloved figure in Ireland, and in the 17th century, the Catholic Church made March 17 a feast day in his honor. Initially, blue was the dominant color associated with St. Patrick's Day, with "true blue" being worn by patriots in Dublin in 1785. However, during the Irish rebellion against British rule, the "wearing of the green" became a symbol of Irish nationalism. After Ireland became part of the United Kingdom, nationalism became more associated with Catholicism, and green became the dominant color. Irish immigrants to America, many of whom were Catholic, brought their traditions with them, including the celebration of St. Patrick's Day. In Ireland, the holiday remained a solemn observance until the 20th century, when it became more festive. Today, while green is the color most associated with St. Patrick's Day, blue still holds symbolic significance in Ireland, particularly in the flag of the president of Ireland.